Pelosi Statement on San Francisco's 39th Annual LBGT Pride Celebration
Friday, June 26, 2009
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of San Francisco's 39th LGBT Pride Celebration this weekend:
"Greetings to everyone gathered to celebrate San Francisco LGBT Pride this weekend. This year's theme, 'To Form a More Perfect Union,' is derived from the Preamble to our Constitution. The promise of our Constitution, and of America, is that that all men and women are created equal. Together, we will work to redeem this promise and ensure equality for the LGBT Community and for all Americans.
"In Washington this week, Chairman Barney Frank, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and Congressman Jared Polis introduced an inclusive Employment Non Discrimination Act. I thank them for their leadership and commitment to this critical legislation. ENDA has long been a priority for me and for Chairman George Miller who is fighting tirelessly to get it passed.
"America is a great and wealthy country, but we cannot afford to squander the talents of any of our citizens, nor should we. We all benefit if everyone gets a chance to work hard and support their families. Yet today, in more than 30 states, you can be fired for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Federal action is needed to right this wrong and it is long overdue. We will be working hard to get this historic bill considered and passed this fall so we can get it to President Obama's desk as soon as possible.
"In April, the House proudly passed inclusive Hate Crimes prevention legislation. All Americans have a fundamental right to feel safe in their communities. This legislation will help protect Americans against violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. Two weeks ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that he will seek to pass hate crimes prevention legislation in the Senate by the end of July. We look forward to working with the Senate to send it to President Obama's desk for his signature into law.
"Last week, President Obama took a first step on allowing some benefits for federal employees. I know we all would have preferred essential benefits such as health care to have been included. I was pleased that the President endorsed Congresswoman Baldwin's legislation, The Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act. This legislation will be a priority for this Congress.
"In light of the security threats facing our country, the strain that two wars have put on our military, and in the name of basic fairness, we cannot afford any policies that prevent the best and the brightest from serving in uniform. We are working toward a repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to acknowledge the tens of thousands of lesbian, gay and bisexual service members who serve honorably in our military, and to allow them to do so openly.
"Across the country, progress is being made on marriage equality. It finally became a reality in Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. I very much wish California remained a state that embraced marriage equality and we were not impeded by Proposition 8. However, with your help, California will restore marriage equality for all of our citizens and their families.
"While I remain proud of the progress we have made, there are many challenges that remain unmet in our fight to ensure that LGBT Americans achieve true equality. You have many allies-and all our voices must be united for change."